UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Megan McKnight has been named director of Health Promotion and Wellness in Penn State Student Affairs, effective June 29.
McKnight joins Penn State from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she served as director of the Center for Wellbeing. In that role, she led campuswide health promotion initiatives focused on mental health, suicide prevention, substance use prevention and recovery, sexual health, healthy relationships, <a s efforts to promote student well-being through education, prevention, skill-building and community engagement. The department supports students through evidence-informed programs and services focused on mental health promotion, alcohol and other drug education, sexual health, healthy relationships, nutrition, sleep, violence prevention and overall wellness.
Throughout her career, McKnight has developed and expanded prevention and education programs, secured and managed grant funding, strengthened campus and community partnerships, and advanced initiatives designed to improve student health and success. Her experience includes overseeing a federally funded suicide-prevention grant, developing recovery support services for students, implementing campuswide wellness strategies, and leading initiatives focused on harm reduction, hazing prevention and violence prevention.
Prior to her leadership role at Chattanooga, McKnight served as assistant director for education and prevention in the Center for Wellbeing, where she coordinated Title IX prevention efforts and developed programs focused on consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, trauma-informed care and student support. She also has professional experience in community health, social work and case management.
McKnight earned a master of science degree in social work from Columbia University and a bachelor of arts in sociology from DePaul University.
“Megan’s passion for student well-being and her ability to build partnerships across campus makes her an exceptional addition to the Penn State community,” said Taléa R. Drummer-Ferrell, associate vice president for Student Affairs. “Megan brings a leadership style that leans into advancing innovative, evidence-based wellness initiatives that uniquely qualifies her for this role. Her experience leading prevention and recovery programs, coupled with her deep commitment to student care, will help Penn State continue strengthening a culture of health, well-being and belonging for all students.”
McKnight said she is excited to join Penn State and continue advancing student well-being initiatives.
“Penn State’s dedication to supporting the whole student is one of the many reasons I am honored to join the University,” said McKnight. “I look forward to fostering meaningful partnerships across the campus community, identifying new opportunities to promote health and well-being, and ensuring students have access to the re
Health Promotion and Wellness, a unit within the division of Student Affairs, promotes holistic student well-being through education, prevention and engagement. The department provides programs, resources and initiatives that help students build healthy habits, strengthen resilience and make informed decisions that support their personal, academic and professional success. Through collaboration with campus and community partners, Health Promotion and Wellness advances a culture of well-being across Penn State.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at
<p>Last Updated June 24, 2026</p></div>”>
